Winds in the Wilderness Music Fulfilled High Expectations

Dear Friends,


A Press review of our last concert opened with, “The first concert in the second season of the Winds in the Wilderness music program fulfilled the high expectations enthusiastic audiences have for this group of superb musicians.”

Get excited! We have another wonderful concert coming soon.

On February 20th The Oblong Wind Quintet will play a lively selection of music for flute oboe, clarinet, bassoon and french horn, including: Overture to the Marriage of Figaro by Mozart; Oblivion by Piazzola; Trois Pieces Breve by Ibert; Quintett by Klughardt and Maple Leaf Rag, Scott Joplin.

When I first joined the Oblong Wind Quintet, having not played in an all-wind group for a while, I was charmed and re-invigorated by the luscious sound. ‘The only thing better than a life devoted to playing a wind instrument is five lives devoted to playing a wind instrument!’ I said to myself after our first rehearsal. There was so much exuberance, warmth and glow projected by this instrumental combination. Winds in the Wilderness Concerts had just formed, performing in a church that has exquisite acoustics, especially for wind instruments. The rest is history. Alternating with our winds and strings ensemble, The Oblong Wind Quintet is now appearing at Church of St. John in the Wilderness for the third time.

We hope that you can join us. This program will be appreciated by people young and old and of all musical tastes.

The concert starts at 3:00PM. Church of St John in the Wilderness is located at 261 Route 344 in Copake Falls, NY. There is a suggested donation of $10 at the door, children free. A reception follows the concert.

I hope to see you there.
Sharon Powers
Artistic Director and Flutist

Letter from the Wife of a Retired Highway Department Truck Driver

Bob,
I was thrilled when I read the article about loving your job and thanking our Highway Departments!

I am the wife of a retired highway department truck driver and I can vouch for his dedication to his job and community for thirty-eight years, however in essence it would equate to fifty-eight years if you added up all the overtime during his years of service - yes, years of service to you, the taxpayer.

Contrary to what the average citizen thinks, the highway guys and gals work very hard...especially during the winter months.

Most have missed time away from their family life, birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, family gatherings...you name it! There were many Christmases when my husband got home just in time to see the kids open their presents and then collapse into bed after working thirty-two hours straight so other families would be safe to drive to Grandma & Grandpa's house for Christmas dinner. While most people were snug in their beds he and countless others were awake all night plowing, sanding and salting the roads over and over or running heavy equipment to haul snow away. Right about now you are thinking yes, but that is the job they chose - you're right but remember these guys and gals chose to be public servants caring not only for their neighbors safety but anyone driving through their district. I might add that a great majority are also volunteer fire fighters giving their time to the community...seems to go hand and hand.

Most "Mr & Mrs Joe Public" can't relate to that when they are getting ready to go to work and get to the end of their driveway - expecting the roads to be clear - only to find it has been plowed in...cursing the idiot highway plowers. Oh how I wish each and every taxpayer could walk - actually drive - a mile in their shoes in order to comprehend the skill it takes to operate a huge truck and snowplow in the ice, snow and let's not forget the crazy traffic - as well, remember the stamina it takes to sit in one spot and drive for countless hours going over and over the same roads.

So yes please, thank a highway guy or gal...give them a thumbs up or a meaningful wave next time you see them going by because it will make their day knowing at least one person realizes what they do to keep everyone safe on the roads. Maybe even think of them out in their big trucks on a snowy evening as you climb under your down comforter with your book in hand getting ready to go to sleep...blue collar guys and gals like them are the backbone of our communities and rarely get the thanks they deserve.

Lesley Mullaney

He is Doing a Super Job and Certainly Gets my Thanks

He is Doing a Super Job and Certainly Gets my Thanks


I totally agree about Bill Gregory,
I teach at a school in Amenia which has boarding students so we always have classes and I have been able to get out to 22 without a problem from up here in Craryville. He is doing a super job and certainly gets my thanks.

Ann Brown

“Talking about Copake in NYC…”?

“Talking about Copake in NYC…”?


“Talking about Copake in NYC…”? I hope you know there are some of us who work in NYC and eagerly await each Thursday morning, when we can revel in the chronicle of the community we love. Just as we eagerly await weekends and/or whatever other time off from our City jobs, when we can be in the community we love. Many thanks for your service.

Will Maitland Weiss

The "Swearing In" Ceremony for our Newly Elected and Re-elected Officials.



Letter writter Terry Sullivan
and Chris Gibson

 Last Saturday night I was privileged to attend the "swearing in" ceremony for our newly elected and re-elected officials. I was thrilled to be part of this ceremony, having been involved in the recent campaign as Copake Town Captain for Chris Gibson. I had the opportunity to meet wonderful people in Copake and Columbia County. We are so lucky to have such excellent representation in government. I truly believe that Assemblyman Marc Molinaro, Senator Steve Saland, and Congressman Chris Gibson are in touch with their constituents. Assemblyman Molinaro and his wife Christy Cocker, a nurse, have 2 young children and,as many of you know, have a daughter who is autistic. Both Senator Saland (who is on the Education Committee) and Assemblyman Molinaro have done excellent work in NYS to help children with special needs.




Letter Writter Terry Sullivan
and Marc Molinaro

 In 2009 I was elected to represent NY State on the Advisory Council to the American Speech and Hearing Association for 2010-2012. Winning this election has sparked my recent interest in politics. Meeting with Scott Murphy, Senator Gillibrand and Senator Schumer (well, actually their legislative aides) last year on Capitol Hill was both exciting and enlightening. DC was buzzing with anticipation of the Healthcare vote scheduled to take place that weekend. It was an amazing experience.

I am now preparing for my upcoming visit this March. Now familiar with the process, and our new Congressman, I feel more confident. Having been involved in the rehabilitation field for over 30 years, I am anxious to discuss therapy and reimbursement rates for speech pathology and audiology services, especially in lieu of the tragic shooting of Congresswoman Giffords. Congressman Gibson, with over 24 years in the military, has seen his share of head trauma and injuries. His wife, Mary Jo is a Social Worker. They are an amazing family and will work hard to help the people of the 20th congressional district.

I hope that the people of Copake join with me in support of a new era in politics where we work together in a bi-partisan fashion for the total good.

Terry Sullivan, Au.D., CCC-SLP/A

I Urge the Readers to Contact Senator Saland about The Grand Jury System

The serial arsons that hit the Copake area started about 1980 and continued on well into the 1990’s. Of the resulting damages none have suffered more than my family. It wasn’t the fires, but the misuse of the Grand Jury that caused the most damage.. My son was indicted by a grand jury on 13 counts of arson. When it came time for a trial there was no usable evidence and the charges were dropped before trial. My son was never cleared. There was a cove-up and no damages were paid nor do I expect damages to be paid. It is because of that misuse of the grand jury that I hope to replace it with a hearing before a judge. The Sheriff claimed he had a confession. He should have been forced to prove it before he arrested my son.


The grand jury has been around since 1166 when King Henry II used it to consolidate his power. Britain did away with the Grand Jury in 1933 because of misuse. All other countries such as Canada, New Zealand, Australia have done away with it too. The only country that has the Grand Jury is the United States. Because of a ruling of the Supreme Court it is not required in State Courts. About one half of the states have replaced it with a hearing before a judge

I petitioned Senator Steven M. Saland and my Assemblyman to hold hearing on replacing the Grand Jury in New York. I would urge the readers to contact Senator Saland and their Assemblyman and urge them to grant hearings on replacing the Grand Jury.. Lawyers should no longer be able to brag; “I can indict a ham sandwich with the Grand Jury.” A judge in open court should make that decision.

Grant Dinehart Langdon

Can You Imagine My Surprise

Bob:
Are you going to speak to the Naples Daily News as well?

We are in Bonita Springs, just north of Naples.
Can you imagine my surprise when I saw Copake was to headline Naples!!!!

Judy Whitbeck
Bonita Springs, Florida ( as well as Mount Washington in summer)

What is the movie playing at the Copake Theater

Hi Bob

Thanks for the great job you are doing with the Copake Chronicle. Everyone I send a copy to winds up subscribing on their own, which is a really good sign. And I have a question re signs: What is the movie playing at the Copake Theater in the icon you have for accessing movie listings (another great help by the way)? I have tried all the photo enhancement tools I have on hand, and I still can't get enough definition from the icon to read the sign above the doors. As a kid, I loved going to that theater, and it was a sad day when it was destroyed...anyway, if you can help, would appreciate it very much.

Regards
Ed Wiggers

The Answer is Gremlins was playing at the Copake theater in the photo. It was released in 1984.

Randi Shadic and the men of the Copake Fire Company

Bob:


I found your tribute to Randi Shadic and the men of the Copake Fire Company very moving and well placed. Your appreciation of the strong leadership of Mr. Shadic does you credit, as I have seen you demonstrate the very same qualities here in Copake for years. You are a straight shooter and speak your mind openly and without fear. As far as I’m concerned you lead by example and that is no easy thing to do.

I would like to thank the men and woman of the Copake Fire Company for their selfless devotion to our town's safety. Many people don’t understand the nature of those volunteers nor how hard they work, running into trouble and danger, when others are running away. As you said, we are indeed a very lucky town to have these people as neighbors and friends.

JJ Miller
Craryville

America’s Criminal Justice System is Second Rate.

America’s criminal justice system is second rate.


“I can get the Grand Jury indict a ham sandwich,” I heard a lawyer brag. . That is because it is the prosecutor is in charge of the grand jury. There is no judge and what happens is kept secret. The target of the grand jury doesn't have a right to call witnesses. . New York requires that exculpatory evidence must be presented however.

I would like New York State to do away with the Grand Jury. I would like it replaced with a hearing before a judge with the right of the defense to present witnesses and cross examine the police on how they conducted their investigation. Most cases where a person is later freed involve a forced:”confession.”

The Grand Jury has been around sine 1166 when King Henry II used it to consolidate his kingdom. Britain did away with the Grand Jury because of abuse in 1933. All other countries did away with the Grand Jury. The only exception is the United States. Today only about one half of all states in the United States have the Grand Jury system. Once an indictment is secured the prosecution holds the upper hand.

After serving years in jail Frank Sterling of Rochester was freed from prison by Donald M. Thompson, Esq. with the help of the Innocents Project. Frank Sterling was convicted for the November 29, 1988 murder of 74 year old Viola Manville in Hilton, New York. In fact Mark Christy, who was later arrested for the 1994 murder of Kali Ann Poulton murdered Manville. He was questioned as a suspect in the Manville murder in 1988, but then Sterling became the police target. “There’s no question in this case the police officers had tunnel vision,” said Innocence Project co-founder Peter Neufeld. Innocence Project officials contend that investigators became too fixated on Sterling and ignored other possibilities. . In an appellate brief, in fact, Thompson once wrote that “any reasonable view of the evidence would have supported the conclusion that (Sterling) would be free and Mark Christie would be serving time for not one murder, but two.”

I believe the power to indict should be taken away from the prosecutors and the police and given to a judge where witnesses can be cross examined and where the defendant has the right of council.

Grant Dinehart Langdon

Communication to our Community

Bob,  Thank you for putting out such a wonderful communication to our community. I look forward to receiving and reading it every time it pops up on my computer. It was great receiving the snow emergency last week and being made aware of that. Thank you for this great service you are providing.

Denise Chickery
Copake Lake

A Feeling of Fellowship and Pride in the Town

Dear Bob,


Congratulations! Your young publication now 100 issues old! Generating an emergency alert system is a real contribution, but even more your tribute to Randi Shadic and others who serve the community does a great deal to create a feeling of fellowship and pride in the town. As your fellow Copake citizens, we are all very fortunate to have the benefit of your experience, expertise, and civic devotion. Thanks.

Mac
Copake Falls

Our Community is Very Fortunate

In this season of unexpected weather and higher gas prices, our community is very fortunate to have the DEPOT DELI open every day of the week now, fully stocked from the daily papers and coffee to sandwiches, drinks and canned foods and much more (maybe even homemade chili).  They are located near the Taconic State park and entrance to the rail trail in Copake Falls.  329-4770


Iris Sachs

My New Web Site - www.crookedjudges.com

Letter to the Editor:

I would like to announce my new web site; http://www.crookedjudges.com/.  In my web site I propose that the Grand Jury be replaced with a judge to examine the evidence to determined if there is enough evidence to go to trial. My proposal is based on the arrest of my son and his indictment by the Grand Jury.  The District Attorney, Paul Czajka, ended the matter "for failure to go forward." He did not have any evidence and could not win the case. There was no determination of guilt or of innocents. The web site also proposes a mandatory investigation of charges of judicial misconduct if the charge is dismissed and then appealed.  I have asked the innocents project and others  to comment.  The innocents Project has freed hundreds of men from prison that were proven innocent.

Grant Dinehart Langdon

RE: A STATE OF EMERGENCY for all Columbia County

RE: A STATE OF EMERGENCY for all Columbia County


Thanks for the heads up...had no clue!

Karen D.

RE: A STATE OF EMERGENCY for all Columbia County

RE: A STATE OF EMERGENCY for all Columbia County


Thanks Bob, without your updates it’s next to impossible to know what's going on up there. We are having enough issues down here in Westchester County. Thanks again!

MaggieQ.

RE: A STATE OF EMERGENCY for all Columbia County

RE: A STATE OF EMERGENCY for all Columbia County


Bob - THANK YOU for this. I had no idea there was a state of emergency right now. It's just great to have this local source of information at this very isolating time.

Mary Allen

Stuck in the Driveway

Dear Bob,


I have never written a letter to the editor before but I thought this would be an appropriate first.
On 12/27 ( the day of the 20” storm) I was able to drive my 4 wheel vehicle out of my driveway onto County Route 7 in West Copake. Retuning after 4PM I did not get a head of steam back into my driveway as the highway department pushed a wall of snow at the entrance. My snow removal person did not get to me yet.

Trying for about 15 minutes with someone behind the wheel, I pushed and pushed with no success. Cars coming the other way slowed down when they saw my car partially on County Route 7. I got scared when one of the cars did one hellavu slide.

Now for the purpose of this letter. Several months ago they were letters and letters about getting rid of the Copake police Department. I am very happy that they decided not to. A Copake Police car passed my stuck car, turned around with emergency lights ablaze letting traffic from both directions know there was something wrong. Seeing we were still having trouble Officer Luann Varney climbed though almost 3 feet of snow drift and helped up push the car out of the way.

I am glad that the powers that be kept the Police Department. They are here to protect us which is in their line of duty. Ms. Varney went a step further.

Ed Horowitz

Copake Sign Ordinance

Does the Copake sign ordinance require that "out of use" signs be removed? I believe there is such a requirement for temporary signs such as political campaign signs. But what about businesses that go bust? The restaurant on Route 22 just north Copake Falls was last in business briefly around the start of 2009. Its signs are still up promising a great breakfast deal. Random Harvest is long gone, but its signs still advertise organic produce. No doubt there are other examples, including empty stores in the center of Copake. Shouldn't these signs be removed when there is no viable business? They are unsightly and they emphasize to passers-by that Copake is full of failed enterprises. Not the message we want to send, I'm sure.


Dale Peterson

Brilliance of the Annual Light Parade of Copake

Dear Editor, I just wanted to share with our community how heartwarming it was to see so many neighbors come together and share in the brilliance of the Annual Light Parade of Copake on such a frigid Saturday night. We purposely come out of our warm, comfy homes knowing how cold it is to partake in the festivities and join in the good will we feel when surrounded by our neighbors and family. Truly a beautiful picture of how community organizations and individuals come together for the betterment of all. A theme that can be replicated all year long if we allow it.


Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays, Everyone.
Joan Spencer